The Social Security Administration (SSA) is not only for retirees. It administers several programs that help individuals enjoy a better life. Social Security offers benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and disabled widow/widower benefits to help individuals pay for expenses if they cannot work.
But eligibility for these programs is stringent. Eligibility is limited only to individuals who fall within SSA’s eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, because Social Security requirements are very narrow and eligibility is complex, most applications are rejected upon their first submission. If you are seeking Social Security disability benefits and have been denied, or your benefits have been terminated or lowered, you still have legal options. At Silver & Silver, our Social Security Disability Lawyers in Wayne, PA can help you get the benefits you need and deserve.
Types of Social Security Disability Programs
There are three disability programs that Social Security administers. Depending on your situation, SSA law requires that you apply for the correct program, meet all the requirements, and properly document everything required for eligibility.
- Social Security Disability Insurance provides benefits only if you have paid into the Social Security system long enough throughout your work life. You must be disabled and unable to work under SSA’s guidelines. You may be eligible for auxiliary benefits if you have a spouse or children. Once you receive SSDI for two years, you also become eligible for Medicare.
- Disabled Widow/Widower Benefits can assist you if you are the spouse of a deceased individual who worked long enough to pay into the Social Security system. You might be able to get early reduced Social Security retirement benefits, disability benefits, or benefits if you are caring for your deceased spouse’s children or are the child of the deceased when you are a student or disabled.
How the Social Security Administration Defines Disability
The Social Security Administration has a very narrow definition of disability. Under Social Security law, you may be disabled if:
- You cannot work and engage in “substantial gainful activity” due to your medical condition.
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or is expected to result in death.
- Your condition or disability severely limits your mobility or functioning, preventing you from basic tasks like walking or lifting or mental tasks such as recalling information.
- Your disability is found on SSA’s list of disabling conditions. If your disability is not on SSA’s list, it must be evaluated to determine if it is considered severely limiting.
- Your condition prevents you from doing what you previously did at your job.
- Your condition cannot be accommodated with other career options or accessibility measures.
Fortunately, having your disability claim denied does not have to be the end. Disability cases can appeal SSA’s findings, even multiple times. With the help of an experienced Social Security disability lawyer, you have a much better chance of success during an appeal.
At Silver & Silver, our skilled Wayne Social Security disability lawyers can help ensure that the information and documentation you submit to Social Security is correct and completely supports your disability case. If you have been denied and want to appeal, we can help guide you through the process. If you have appealed before, we can assist you through your hearing with the local administrative judge, the Social Security Appeals Council, or even the federal court system.
Getting the Experienced Assistance of Social Security Disability Lawyers in Wayne, PA
Dealing with the Social Security Administration can be intimidating. Not all Wayne law firms can help individuals when they are seeking disability benefits. As members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, the Wayne, PA Social Security disability lawyers at Silver & Silver stand above the rest in our ability to assist you with the most comprehensive claim support available. Schedule a no-cost consultation by calling (610) 638-7255 or contact us on our website contact form to understand how we can help you get the benefits you need.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.
